Reading for today
Old Testament: Numbers 7, 8 ,9
New Testament: Mark 14
Thoughts from today’s reading
Numbers 7:4-9. We see here the offering of the leaders of the tribes given for the work of the tabernacle. They gave oxen and carts to the priests to carry the vessels of the tabernacle which would need to move when the children of Israel moved from place to place in the wilderness. However, God was specific that no carts and oxen should be given to the sons Kohath as they were to carry the holy things on their shoulders.
These verses here help us understand why in the book of 2 Samuel 6 Uzzah and Ahio felt they could carry the Ark of God on the cart, they however missed out this detail of the holy things being carried on the shoulders of the priests only.
As much as we have all manner of enablers to help us carry the message of the Kingdom or to do the service of the kingdom, the most intimate and acceptable service is that which proceeds out of our hearts and mouths.
Numbers 9:15-23. The cloud that covered the tabernacle represented the presence of God and whenever the cloud moved, the people would pack up and move, wherever the cloud stayed, the people would set up camp there.
The Holy Spirit is the presence of God to us and Jesus said He would lead us and guide us. Our ability to hear and follow the direction of the Spirit is crucial to victorious christian living.
Mark 14:3-9. The alabaster box of perfume was said to be the equivalent value of one years wages. This woman in a moment of worship broke the box and poured it over Jesus.
Worship costs us something. Are you able give up a whole year of your time, dreams, times with friends and family, time doing what you love, money spent on your favourite meals, clothes, and other comforts to be in the presence of Jesus?
Worship takes time and resources, we can take a part of our day and resources on a daily basis and worship God, we don’t have to wait or store up what we have to give to Him.
Prayer
1. Lord I commit my spirit soul and body to you to carry your Spirit, presence and word. May my heart be a vessel that carries your love and may that love be expressed to those around me. You said as many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. I pray that my ears are open and my heart alert to understand the way your Spirit leads me and to follow your directions.
2. Heavenly Father, I yield myself to you to make the daily sacrifices required to worship you in spirit and in truth. I receive grace to rise up early and to stand before you, I receive grace to study and practice your word, and I receive grace to obey your command and instructions to my life. This I know is true worship that you desire.